19. And stay ye not. Literally, “and you, ye shall not stand still.” Joshua’s prompt dispatch revealed the skill of his inspired generalship. The time was advantageous for action against the main forces of the enemy. Any diversionary action, such as the execution of the five kings, would have meant costly delay.
Smite the hindmost. That is, rout the rear of the host. The Hebrew word translated “smite” occurs only here and in Deut. 25:18.